Means for controlling electrically-operated mechanisms and the like.



H. H. E. GREEN.

MEANS PORGONTROLLING ELEGTRIGALLY OPERATED MECHANISMS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 27, 1913.

1, 1 30, 1 6 1 Patented Mar. 2, 191 5.

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H. H. R. GREEN.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEGTRIGALLY OPERATED MEGHANISMS AND' THE LIKE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 27, 1913.

1,130,1 61. Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

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H. H. R. GREEN. MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEGTRIGALLY OPERATED MECHANISMS AND THE LIKE. APPLJIGATION FILED SBPT.2'7,1913.

1,130,161, Patented M112, 1915.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFECE.

HARRY HEWLETT RICHARD GREEN, 03 FOR ST HILL, ENGLAND.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING ELEGTR-ICALLY-OPERATEID MECHANISMS AND THE LIKE.

Application filed September 27, 1-913.

To all 207. am it any concern.

Be it krown that I, HARRY HEWLETT RICHARD GREEN, of 18 St. Germans road, Forest Hill, in the county of Kent, England, engineer, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in or Relating to Means for Controlling Electrically-Operated Mechanisms and the like, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to means for controlling electrically operated mechanisms and the like.

The object of this invention is to provide improved means.

According to this invention 1 provide each mechanism to be controlled with a controlling apparatus with one or more control switches and with a local circuit containing the operating windin a resistance and a switch operated by the mechanism to be controlled so arranged that the mechanism is retained in its operated position after the control switch has been returned to its neutral position. The control switch is a three-position switch, that is to say a switch having neutral and two operating positions, and it may or may not be provided with contacts for an indicating device or devices which is or are energized wlienthe mechanism controlled has been operated.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of one means of carrying out this invention. Figs. 2- and 3 are front and side views respectively of one form of control switch made in accordance with this invention. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 letters and numerals which correspond to those used in Fig. 1 denote similar parts. Fig. l is a diagram showing more than one mechanism operated by one control switch.

Referring to the drawings :-In Fig. l A A are control switches, each having a neutral and two alternative operating positions.

1 and 2 are conductors connecting the poles 10 and 18 ot' the electric supply to the mechanism controlled and control switch, and when there are a series of mechanisms and a series of control switches these conductors are common to all the mechanisms controlled and control switches.

3 and a are electric conductors particular to each mechanism controlled and control switch.

ie 1 e u. m. S ec n at on ofn t rs ate Patented Mar. 2, 1915.

Serial no. 752,127.

5 is an indicating device in parallel the operating winding 6.

Each control switch A comprises five terminals, a, 5, 0, (Z, and c, and two contacts which may be described as the operating contacts are adapted to make electric connection respectively between 0 and c and between (4 and c, and a contact which may be described as the indicator contact and is adapted to make electric connection between 0 and (Z. The operating contacts are so arranged that they cannot simultaneously make electric connection between the above deserted terminals. By the action of a spring or springs the operating contacts normally do not make electric connection between the terminals and the indicator contact normally makes electric connection between 0 and (Z. The terminals (4 and 7) are always electrically connected. .Vhen the respective contacts are in the above described normal positions the control switch is in the neutral position. When either of the operating contacts makes electric connection between the appropriate above described terminals the control switch is in one or other oi its two alternative operating positions. These alternative operating positions may be described respectively as the first and second operating positions. The indicating with .device or devices is, are, or may he an electric lamp or lamps adapted to operate with or at about the difference of potential which will be caused to exist between the ends of the operating winding of the mechanism controlled after the mechanism has been operated by putting the control switch to the first operating position and returning it to its neutral position.

When the control switch A. is being moved from the neutral to the first operating position the connection between 0 and (Z is broken and remains broken so long as the control switch is in the first operating position. When the control switch A is in the first operating position 0 and e are electrically connected. W hen the control switch is in the second operating position a and c are electrically connected.

The terminal 0 is connected by an electric conductor 4: particular to the mechanism controlled through the operating winding 6 of the mechanism 15 and the conductor to one pole 10 of the electric supply and also through a resistance 11 to a contact 12 which becomes electrically connected to the other pole 13 of the electric supply when the mechanism has been operated by putting the control switch to the first operating position.

In operation'when it is desired to operate the mechanism the control switch A is pushed against the action of springs ll from the neutral to the first operating position the first part of the movement causing the electric connection previously existing between 0 and Z to be broken so that the indicating lamp is not connected in parallel with the operating winding 6 while the control switch is in the first operating position. On 7 pushing the operating switch into the first operating position electric connection is made between 0 and 6 thus completing the circuit through the operating winding 6 between the two poles of the electric supply, thereby energizing the operating winding 6 and operating any mechanism desired to be operated, in this instance a double pole switch 15 arranged to open and close a circuit in connection with the same electric V supply as that used for the operating windmg. On releasing the control switch and allowing it to go to its normal or neutral position, by the action of the springs 14: the contacts 0 and (Z become again electrically connected, thereby completing the circuit between the two poles of the electric supply through the indicating lamp 5 in series with the resistance 11 and the contact 12, thus enabling an indicating devicesuch as the indicating lamp 5 adapted to operate at a lower pressure than that of the electric supply to be employed.

Unless the contact 12 has become-connected to the pole 13 of the electric supply by the operating of the mechanism 15 the indicating lamp or other indicating device cannot operate. The operating of the indicating device constitutes a positive indication that the contact 12 has become connected to the pole 13 and that the mechanism has been operated to and is being retained in the desired position.

W hen the control switch A returns to its normal position the contact between 0 and e is broken so that a current less than the preliminary energizing current flows between the two poles 10 and 13 of the electric supply, through the operating winding 6 in series with the resistance 11, through the contact 12, which has become connected to the pole 13 of the electric supply, which less current is suiiicient to retain the mechanism 15 in the position to which it has been operated against the action of a spring or other force such as gravity tending to return the mechanism to itsoriginal position.

The mechanism having been operated to one of two alternative positions and being retained in such position by the continuous excitation of its operating winding the conductor lhas in it current only sutlicient to actuate the indicating device 5 as the current which retains the mechanism is between the poles of the electric supply in a circuit through the operating winding and the resistance 11 and contact 12 entirely local to the niechanisi This condition permits removal of the conductor i and control switch A until such time as it may be desired again to operate the mechanism as the conductor 4 and control switch A are essential only when the mechanism is in process of being operated to one of its two alternative positions and at all intervening periods the conductor 4E and control switch A are required only for the purpose of the indicating device the use of which may be considered unnecessary under certain circumstances.

hen it is desired to return the mechanism to its original position the control switch A is placed in the second operating position whereby the terminals 0 and a are connected, thus short circuiting the operating winding 6, thereby deenergizing it so that the mechanism 15 is returned to its original position by the force tending to return it.

ihe control switch can be placed in any suitable position and can be duplicated as desired for operating the same mechanism from any number of positions. One such duplication but without an indicating device is shown at 16 with conductors 17 and 18. Any desired number of indicating devices may be employed with each control switch.

The switch at the upper end of the solenoid core mounted on the base 15 is a moving contact which in conjunction with the switch or moving contact at the bottom end of the solenoid core comprises a'double pole switch controlling the supply or" electric energy to a circuit. The circuit supplied is not shown. The device is intended to be used for all mechanisms for which electrical operation may be applied, such as steam and other valves and railway points and signals, and is not intended to be confined to mechanisms controlling the supply of electric energy from the same or other source of supply.

In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the push-bar 19 carrying at its ends the contacts 21 and 22 is capable of motion about a pin 20 and is maintained in the neutral, position by springs i i. In the neutral position the contact 21 maintains electical connection between the contact (Z connected to one terminal of the indicating lamp 5 and a contact 23 mounted on the terminal block 0. The push-bar is actuated to the first operating position by pressure on the push 2 and to 'the second operating position by pressure on the push 25. in the first operating position the contact 21 1S moved away from connection with the contacts cl and 2-3 and the electrical connection between the indicating lamp 5 and the terminal block 0 is thereby broken. In the first operating position the contacts 22 make electrical connection between the contact 26 mounted on the terminal block 0 and the contact 27 mounted on the terminal block 0 so that c and c are thereby electrically connected. In the second operating position the end 28 of the push-bar makes electrical connection with the contact a and is simultaneously connected by the contacts 21 and 28 with the terminal block 0 so that electrical connection is thereby made between aand 0. Motion of the push-bar "from its neutral position separates the springs 1% which in consequence return the pushbar to its neutral position when the pressure on either push is released.

In Fig. l the conductor is extended by the conductor r so as to operate more than one mechanism.

lVith a control switch made in accordance with this invention indicating devices are employed which are suitable for the difference of potential existing across the operating winding after the mechanism has been operated by putting the control switch to the first operating position.

lVith a control switch made in accordance with this invention where a large number of mechanisms are to be operated by the same electrical supply, a number of control switches may be connected in series in the one conductor particular to the mechanism controlled by these control switches so that the number of electrical conductors particular to each mechanism which would be required otherwise is decreased.

In that type of mechanisms where the mechanism is operated to and is maintained in one of two alternative positions by the continuous excitation of the operating winding it is desirable and customary to reduce the current for maintaining the mechanism to a value substantially less than that used for actuating the mechanism in the first instance. The switch effecting this reduction of the current when operated by the mechanism is in general operated with great rapidity corresponding to the speed of actuation of the mechanism. This high speed of changing the magnitude of the current in a highly inductive circuit tends to an inductive rise of pressure in the operating cirsuit and there is therefore a reduced inductive rise of pressure and a gain in se curity by the slower actions of a manually operated push or switch as described in this specification which dispenses with the use oi an automatic current reducing switch actuated by the mechanism controlled.

In some types of electrically operated mechanisms the mechanism may have more than two alternative positions and is electrically operated to two positions only, manual or other operation being provided for the remaining positions.

WV hat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions one of which operating positions permits current to pass throu h the winding and the other operating position causes the winding to be shunted, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

2. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a'switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing aresistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positrolled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

l. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, a single conductor particular to and connecting the mechanism and its control apparatus, and with at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the 01erating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

5.- Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions, one of which operating positions permits current to pass through the winding and the other operating position causes the winding to be shunted, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

'6. 'llleans for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism 7 controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, acontrolling apparatus having at least one three position switch, said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions one of which operating positions permits current to pass through the winding and the other operating-position causes the winding to be shunted, and a single conductor particular to and connecting the mechanism'and its control apparatus, the said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

7. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism con trolled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a re sistance and said winding a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, the said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled inechanisin being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

8. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, a single conductor particular to and connecting the mechanism and its control apparatus, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, the said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions, said winding being controlled hy said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

9. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, the said three position switch being arranged so that in its neutral position at least one indicating device is connected through the switch, said switch being adapted to connect the pole of an electric supply to the operating winding of an electrically operated mechanism, the parts being so arranged that simultaneous connections and the direct connection of the indicating device with both poles is impossible during the operating of the switch, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatns and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

10. ll leans for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, a single conductor particular to and connecting the mechanism and its control apparatus, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, the said three position switch being arranged so that in its neutral position at least one indicating device is connected through the switch, said switch being adapted to connect the pole of an electric supply to the operating winding of an electrically operated mechanism, the parts being so arranged that simultaneous connections and the direct connection or" the indicating device with both poles is impossible during the operating of the switch, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

11. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in combination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism con trolled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling a l paratus having at least one three position switch, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, the said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions, and being adapted to be operated slowly to operate the mechanism in order to diminish the inductive rise of pressure due to a change in the value of current in the inductive circuit, the said three position switch being arranged so that in its neutral position at least one indicating device is connected through the switch said switch being adapted to connect the pole of an electric supply to the operating winding of an electrically operated mechanism, the parts being so arranged that simultaneous connections and the direct connection of the indicating device with both poles is impos sible during the operation of the switch, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

12. Means for an electric control for one or more mechanisms comprising in co1nbination such mechanism or mechanisms a winding adapted to operate each mechanism controlled, a switch actuated by the mechanism controlled, a local circuit containing a resistance and said winding, a controlling apparatus having at least one three position switch, a single conductor particular to and connecting the mechanism and its control apparatus, and at least one indicating device connected in parallel with the operating winding of the mechanism and in series with the resistance, the said three position switch having a neutral and two alternative operating positions, the said three position switch being arranged so that in its neutral position at least one indicating device is connected through the switch, said switch being adapted to connect the pole of an electric supply to the operating winding of an electrically operated mechanism, the parts being so arranged that simultaneous connections and the direct connection of the indicating device with both poles is impossible during the operation of the switch, said winding being controlled by said controlling apparatus and the controlled mechanism being retained in its operated position by the closing of the switch operated by the controlled mechanism.

in witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HARRY HEWLETT RICHARD GREEN.

WVitnesses:

Ronnar MILTON SrnARPoIN'r, ALFRED BnnsLEY CAMPBELL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. O. 

